Oswestry | England, United Kingdom | Britannica.com England, United Kingdom Oswestry, town (parish) and former borough (district), administrative and historic county of Shropshire , western England . It is bordered on three sides by Wales . Market square at Oswestry, Shropshire, Eng. Edward Williams Oswestry lies in a scenic setting in the foothills of the Berwyn Mountains between Wat’s Dyke (c. 700) and Offa’s Dyke (c. 784), defensive earthworks formerly separating England and Wales. “Old” Oswestry, an Iron Age hill fort with complicated defenses reflecting a long history, stands 1 mile (1.6 km) from the town. Oswestry is thought to derive its name from Oswald (later St. Oswald ), king of Northumbria , who was killed by Penda , king of Mercia , in 642 at the Battle of Maserfelth (or Maserfeld), probably near the present town. The scene of much border warfare between the Welsh and the English, the town was twice burned to the ground in the Middle Ages.

On Castle Bank are the ruins of a castle built by Madog ap Maredudd, Welsh king of the adjacent region of Powys . A grammar school was founded in Oswestry town in 1407 and was moved to larger premises in 1776, but the old building still stands. For centuries Oswestry has been a market centre for Welsh goods, especially wool. The modern town has a large cattle market and light industry. Aside from the town of Oswestry, the area is mostly rural. Pop. (2001) 15.613; (2011) 17,105. Learn More in these related articles: Welcome to Oswestry Chirk 6 miles - Welshpool 16 miles Oswestry is an ancient market town located in the North of Shropshire close by the English - Welsh Border. Its strategic position as a 'frontier town' has given it a turbulent history. Today the town still retains its vital function as a market and shopping centre serving North West Shropshire and Mid Wales.

The narrow passageways link streets whose names conjure up images of the past: English Walls, Welsh Walls, The Bailey and the Horsemarket. It is a locally important shopping and agricultural centre and still retains the intimacy of a rural town serving local people and home to a number of specialist and independent shops. The origins of the town are uncertain although the towns market dates back to 1190. The name Oswestry is thought to be a corruption of 'Oswald's Tree' and the legend that Oswald the Christian King of Northumbria fought a great battle against the pagan King of Mercia - Penda. Oswald was defeated and killed in the battle. Penda - as a warning to others who might challenge his rule - dismembered Oswald's body and hung his limbs on the branches of a tree - hence the name 'Oswalds Tree'. Oswestry's first school founded in 1407 is now a Heritage centre and holds regular exhibitions of local arts and crafts. The town Tourist Information Centre can be found in the same building. Most of the town centre has been designated a Conservation Area conveying a mixture of architectural styles.

There are many old timber framed houses, for example Llywd Mansion on Cross Street, the Heritage Centre, the Blackgate, the Fox Inn and the shops along Beatrice Street. Georgian architecture is also represented particularly around St Oswald's Church where there are a number of imposing town houses complete with grand entrance staircases and front doors. It has a significant Victorian legacy. Many of the Shop fronts and facades, the many terraced houses and churches and railway buildings reflect this period. Oswestry, has a troubled past and was once encircled by town walls which is shown on the medieval street plan of a walled town. The Oswestry Town Trail leaflet is available from the Heritage Centre and the Tourist Information Centre at Mile End and can be used to tour the town's many sites of historical interest for example: St Oswald's Church. Cae Glas Park, the town's old gates and Castle Bank are just a few of the places of interest. History and Town Records Few records survive from before 1674, the year of the charter granted to the Town by King Charles II, some deeds, charters, accounts and memoranda of the Bailiffs do exist but little else.

From 1674 to 1835 records are plentiful, consisting of minutes of the Council, accounts of the Mayor, proceedings of the Quarter Sessions and Court of Record, and correspondence and papers relating to the business of the Guildhall, the gaol, markets and fairs, and other matters of Local Interest. Post 1835 Oswestry saw was a period of great development. In the late 1840’s new Markets were built in the late 1840's and the construction of reservoirs followed from the late 1860's to the late 1880's. The events were well recorded in the minutes of the Council and its committees and numerous bundles of deeds and documents on all and sometimes trivial aspects of the administration of Town affairs. The Castle Dating to around 1086, the castle L’oeuvre was recorded in William I’s Domesday Book as being built by Rainald, Sheriff of Shropshire in the Hundred of Meresberie, it was once a frontier outpost that saw both Welsh and Anglo Saxon mix together prior to the Norman conquest.

The earliest reference to the town was recorded 1272 and the settlement of Blancminster, which derives from its white stone church. The Welsh refer to a ‘Creos Oswallt’ in 1254, and an obvious link with St. Oswald, the Northumbrian King who was killed at the nearby Battle of Maeserfelth in 641 AD. Regardless, it is generally accepted that Oswestry was once a strong Welsh settlement and the Castle had a role of domination to subdue Welsh resistance. Following the conquest, the region was granted to Roger de Montgomerie by William I. This passed to Rainald who is attributed as having built the first castle. Then came Alan Fitzlaad, descendant to the mighty Fitzalans and later to become the Lords of Arundel and Clun. The Civil War between Stephen and Matilda saw William Fitzalan I join forces with Matilda and he was forced to give up the castle and its area.

The Welsh appear to have taken this chance to reclaim what they once lost and the occupation of the castle by Madoc ap Maerdudd the Prince of Powys, between 1149 and 1157, along with the Lordship of the area followed. The accession of Henry II saw the Fitzalan’s recover their estate, but they failed to establish a peaceful reign and troubled times followed. There was significant conflict between the Welsh and the English, which saw the area and its castle sacked numerous times. In 1165, Henry II adopted it as a base for his campaign against Owain Gwynned and in 1211, it was used by King John in his war against Llewlyn Fawr. By 1270 the castle’s walls embraced the town. In the 14th Century one Owain Glyndwr attempted to establish himself as the rightful Prince of Wales and throughout this period the town became recognised as a strategic trading point. For example, the Short Charter granted by William III at the end of the 12th Century awarded the area similar customs and liberties as the larger and already prosperous Shrewsbury.

A second charter in 1263 followed and in 1399 it received a Royal Charter. Despite this, it remained a fully fortified military base and this function continued for many years. The outbreak of the Civil War in 1642 revived its status as a military stronghold and it was once more strengthened to some degree, following the town’s declaration of support for Charles I, and prepared for hostility. In June 1644 the castle was under the control of Colonel Edward Lloyd of Llanforda. It was laid to siege by Thomas Mytton of Halston Hall (near Whittington) who was soon joined by the earl of Denbigh. The town gates were battered into submission by cannon and infiltrated by troops who rapidly descended upon the castle, surrounding. The following day, ‘Buttars,’ a kind of early grenade, were used to storm the gates and the royalist troops surrendered. Following the Civil War, Oswestry Castle were rendered uninhabitable as part of a campaign to quash further resistance and it was reduced to a simple collection of stones. Other Places of Interest The Old Grammer School A 15th Century, Grade II listed timber-framed property.

Originally the Oswestry Grammar School, founded by David Holbache in 1407, the building occupies a prominent position on the boundary of the churchyard of St. Oswald. Now the property of Oswestry Town Council and opened in 1992, the Centre contains civic and local items of interest reflecting the long established and magnificent Heritage of Oswestry. Iron Age Fort There is a large Iron Age fort just to the North of the town. It was started over 2500 years ago. Nowadays, only the Earthworks remain, but it's worth a visit. It can be seen from the A5 going North out of the town. It is maintained by English Heritage Racecourse Common This is at the top of a hill and is the site of an old racecourse. It is possible to walk around the old circuit and there are a number of walks is this area including some through the adjacent Candy Woods. The Offa's dyke path passes through the common and the woods.

Offa's Dyke footpath (goes right through the area) This long distance footpath , which goes from Prestatyn to Chepstow along the Welsh border, passes about 3 miles to the west of Oswestry. It is a well maintained footpath (some other paths in the area are not so good) and can be picked up at many points in the area. The path follows an ancient earthwork which is thought to have been a defensive dyke built by the Saxon King Offa . Whittington Castle 2 Miles East There are quite a few remains of the castle which can be found in the Centre of Whittington village. There are plenty of ducks to be found in the old castle moat. Visit Shropshire's largest Mere at Ellesmere and the magnificent Chirk Castle is 7 miles away. Old English County Maps - Shropshire by John Speede c.1610 This County was known for being the coldest in the kingdom.

This did not trouble John Speede, who said of Shropshire, "Wholesome is the air, delectable and good, yielding the spring and the Autumn seed-time and hottest in a temperate condition and affordeth health to the inhabitants in all seasons of the year". 50 x 37.3cms (19.5" x 14.5") ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Old Map of Shropshire Oswestry | Article about Oswestry by The Free Dictionary Oswestry | Article about Oswestry by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Wikipedia . Oswestry (ŏz`wĕstrē, –wəs–), town (1991 pop. 12,448), Shropshire, W central England. The market town has plastics, clothing, and printing industries. The area is named for St. Oswald, a Northumbrian king who was killed there in a battle (7th cent.) against King Penda of Mercia. The poet Wilfred Owen Owen, Wilfred, 1893–1918, English poet, b. Oswestry, Shropshire.

He served as a company commander in the Artist's Rifles during World War I and was killed in France on Nov. 4, 1918, one week before the armistice. ..... Click the link for more information. was born in Oswestry. Shropshire travel guide - Wikitravel Villages[ edit ] Whittington - a pretty little village near Oswestry and home to the impressive Whittington Castle situated in the heart of the village Other destinations[ edit ] Must see's in Shropshire include: The Ironbridge Gorge Valley, home to the World's first Iron Bridge and home to the 10 Ironbridge Gorge Museums The Shropshire Hills with magnificent views of Shropshire and its neighbouring counties Stokesay Castle, near Craven Arms and the oldest and best preserved manor house in England Ludlow, Shropshire's gastronomic town and the first UK Cittaslow town. Specialist food and drink shops and markets can all be found here. Shrewsbury, Shropshire's county town and home to over 660 listed buildings including magnificent black and white examples. Royal Air Force Museum Cosford [2] , home of the National Cold War Exhibition.

Understand[ edit ] Since 1998, Shropshire has been administratively divided into Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire County Council. However for most purposes it is still one county with the same media, press, emergency services, records service, etc. Talk[ edit ] Some parts of West Shropshire have a Welsh influence in their place names, though the people living there speak English like the rest of the county. Get in[ edit ] Shropshire is relatively easy to get to by road and rail. The A49 (which runs from Herefordshire to Lancashire ) runs through Shropshire from north to south, while from the M6 the M54 and A5 run east to west. Railways also run from the south to Shrewsbury , stopping primarily in Ludlow and Church Stretton . The main line from Birmingham and Wolverhampton also runs to Shrewsbury and then north to Chester or west to Wales .

Shropshire does have a direct link to London, albiet it only a few times a day, and it taking approximately four hours direct (the 'scenic route'), when switching at Birmingham New Street and taking two trains, arriving at London Euston would be just over two hours. The direct service is called Wrexham and Shropshire and runs from Shrewsbury to London, stopping at Wellington and Telford in Shropshire, before continuing to Banbury and then London Marylebone Air travellers will normally fly to Manchester Airport, Birmingham International and possibly John Lennon Airport, Liverpool . East Midlands Airport is also a possibility. Get around[ edit ] Shropshire is a predominantly rural area and sparsely populated. Car transport remains essential for travellers wanting to take full advantage of the county, despite recent efforts to increase public transport usage. It is possible to see most of the major sites by public transport. However, trains and buses can be infrequent or seasonal. Most towns in Shropshire have their own public transport and taxi service. Seasonal shuttle buses give access to areas of Shropshire including the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (see Church Stretton ).

See[ edit ][ add listing ] With Shropshire home to over 32 castles, there is plenty of history and heritage to be found in Shropshire. If gardens are more your thing, then you won't be disappointed. Shropshire is home to some 20 national collections including English Roses, Clematis and Tulips. Choose from the award winning Wollerton Old Hall Garden near Market Drayton, the Dorothy Clive Garden near Market Drayton and Hawkstone Park and Follies near Shrewsbury to name a few. With over 90 attractions to visit, here is a taster of just some of the attractions that you can explore and discover: Stokesay Castle. A very romantic 13th Century fortified manor house. The Ironbridge Gorge Museums. The world's first iron bridge (oddly beautiful) spanning the River Severn. Birth place of the industrial revolution, Ironbridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ironbridge Gorge Museums are nine award winning museums and sites that tell this momentous story. The Severn Valley Railway. Britains premier steam railway, 16 miles of glorious countryside and restored stations. Shropshire has many other steam train attractions besides.

Wroxeter Roman City (Viroconium). The fourth largest Roman city in Britain. Wroxeter was also the city of Camelot from the ledgend of King Arthur. Much to see and learn. You can follow the trail of the Real King Arthur. The Royal Airforce Museum Cosford. Aviation history brought to life, the largest collection of missiles in the country. Exciting displays of civil and military planes…Last of the few. Weston Park. Ancestral home of the Earls of Bradford. Lots of events, concerts and the occasional world summit too. Hawkstone Historic Park and Follies. Wooded magical land of Grottoes, caves, cliffs and follies. Setting for the TV Chronicles of Narnia. Awesome. Wroxeter Roman Vineyard. One of the worlds most northerly vineyards producing red, white and sparkling wines. A working watermill, Victorian Judges Lodgings and a Nuclear Bunker. Just how diverse can we get? Shropshire is is an excellent place to find locally grown produce, farmer's markets and delis. The county is home to the National winner of the retail cheese awards and a national finalist in the Taste of England awards.

Shropshire specialties include Shrewsbury biscuits, Gingerbread, Whimberry Pie and Fidget Pie. Traditional pubs and inns, tearooms and fine dining restaurants can all be found in Shropshire. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Shropshire is renowned for its real ale and leads the way in the "home brew" revival. Here you'll find traditional pubs and inns and micro-breweries. The South Shropshire town of Bishops Castle has been happily brewing since 1642 and is home to some of the county's breweries. You can even try Shropshire wine at Wroxeter Roman Vineyard, an historic site near Shrewsbury. Choose from a whole host of wines including Shropshire Gold, Wrekin Reserve and Wroxeter Medium. The vineyard also offers tours and tastings. See All Videos VIDEO: Shropshire Council’s former leader Keith Barrow is taking up a new role at an Oswestry marketing agency. 3 11 The first Friday late-night shopping event in Oswestry - organised by the local Chamber of Trade with North Shropshire College - is planned for tomorrow. Will you be making the most of this?

3 Oswestry's marathon girl Amy Hughes is taking the plunge with her 12 Days of Christmas challenge. She is posting the latest on her daily challenges on YouTube. Here, she talks about the challenge... 2 Oswestry Genealogy Resources & Parish Registers | Shropshire Historical Description Direct link to this description Oswestry is a market-town, situated near the borders of Denbighshire, and stands on ground much higher than any other town in the county; it is surrounded with fertile lands, and is only five miles from a navigable part of the river Verniew. This town was anciently surrounded with walls, strengthened with towers, and towards the north side was formerly a castle, which has long been a heap of ruins, and the place on which it stood is now converted into grazing land, which, together with the field, called Castle Field, (wherein the entrenchments are yet visible,) comprise about five or six acres of land. The town-gates, which were fixed in the four cardinal points, are all down, and but little vestiges of the walls are to be seen.

The church, which was built without the walls, is remarkably large, having a handsome plain tower; but it is of no great antiquity ; Leland, however, says, that it was formerly the chapel of a monastery. In the year 1673, Richard Pope was elected first mayor, after the renewal of the charter, in the 23rd year of the reign of Charles II. who was succeeded by Sir John Trevor, the then master of the rolls.— The body corporate consists of twelve aldermen, and fifteen common-council. The high-steward and town-clerk are in the appointment of Earl Powis, who is lord of the manor; the mayor, recorder, and murenger, are elected by the body corporate; and the coroner for the town, is an annual office, held the year succeeding the mayoralty. The quarter sessions are held on Friday, in the weeks after Epiphany, Easter, Thomas Becket, and Michaelmas. The market is on Wednesday. This parish, according to the late returns, consisted of 692 houses, and 3613 inhabitants.

The town of Oswestry takes its name from Oswald, King of Northumberland, who was slain here, in a field called the Chapel-field, about the middle of the seventh century, by Penda, King of Mercia. It was his practice to erect a cross on the field of battle, as a standard, at the foot of which, he and his army, the moment before the trumpets sounded the charge, practiced the pious devotion of kneeling, appealing to heaven for the justice of his cause, and imploring its assistance to confound the insolence of his enemies. It is still called by the Welsh, Croes Oswald, Oswald’s-cross; formerly, in English, Oswald’s-tree, but now Oswestry. The barbarian victor, cut the body of Oswald into pieces, and stuck them on stakes dispersed over the field, as so many trophies; but, according to others, his head and hands only were thus exposed. A prince so dear to the church as Oswald, and so attached to the professors of the monastic life, received every posthumous honour they could bestow. He was raised to the rank of a saint, and his sanctity confirmed by numberless miracles.

His reliques, which were afterwards removed, were believed to be efficacious in all disorders incident to man or beast. The very spot on which his pious corpse had lain, imparted its virtue by mere contact. The horse of a traveller, wearied by excess of labour, stopped here, lay down, and, rolling about in agony, is said luckily to have tumbled on the place where Oswald fell. No sooner had he touched the ground then he sprung up in full vigour! His master, a man of great sagacity, marked the spot, mounted his nag, and soon reached his inn, where he found a young woman ill of the palsy. He told the adventure of his horse, persuaded her friends to try the same remedy, and caused her to be carried thither, when she instantly found the same benefit. Oswestry is situated between Watt’s and Offa’s dyke, which run parallel to each other at about two miles distance.

The latter reaches from coast to coast; it was made by Offa king of Mercia, about the year 1780; "to mark (says Warrington) the confines of each country, or to give greater security to his own, he caused it to be made from the water of the Dee to the mouth of the Wye, and is an evidence of the ignorance and barbarism of the age, having been raised with immense labour, but directed to no important use." That space of ground between the two dykes was considered by both nations neutral, both trading therein. The town, being situated on that ground, was much harassed on any irruption between the kingdoms, previous to the conquest of Wales by Edward the First. In the year 1216, on the refusal of Llewellin to unite his forces with those of King John against Lewis the dauphin of France, who had invaded England by the solicitation of the malcontent barons, John set fire to the town. It was again rebuilt, and again destroyed by Llewellin in the year 1233.

— Topography of Great Britain, written: 1802-29 by George Alexander Cooke Direct link to this description OSWESTRY is an ancient borough, corporate, and market town, with a terminal station (rebuilt in 1885) on a branch of the Great Western railway (at Gobowen) from Shrewsbury to Chester, and a station on the Cambrian line from Whitchurch and Ellesmere to Newtown (Montgomeryshire) and Aberystwyth, and a new railway from Wrexham to Ellesmere in connection with the Welsh Railway Union, is now in course of construction and will probably be opened for traffic about the middle of the year 1895: it is in the Western division of the county, and as a parish is locally in the hundred and rural deanery of its name, and archdeaconry and diocese of St.

Asaph, 171 miles from London, 18 north-west from Shrewsbury, 47 north-west from Ludlow, 16 north from Welshpool, 15 south from Wrexham, 12 south-east from Llangollen, 30 north from Newtown, 77 north-east from Aberystwyth, 7 west from Ellesmere, 18 west from Whitchurch, 31 west from Crewe, 62 south-west from Manchester, 42 ½ south from Liverpool, 61 west-by-north from Birmingham, 48 west from Stafford, 49 west-by-north from Wolverhampton, 26 ½ south from Chester, 28 ½ west from Wellington, 69 north from Hereford, and 6 north from Llanymynech junction of the Cambrian and Shrewsbury railways.

The town, seated on a gentle eminence, on the main road from London to Holyhead, is one of the principal places on the Welsh border, the country around being delightfully varied, and exhibiting fine and picturesque scenery, and the prospects from the high ground above the town and from the race-course are most pleasing. The rich and luxuriant vale of Shropshire lies as it were a map beneath the feet, while Nesscliffe and the Wrekin and the Staffordshire hills are seen in the distance; and southwards in the direction of Montgomery, and north-west towards the county of Denbigh, alpine heights and lovely vales everywhere commingled form a magnificent landscape. Oswestry is a place of great antiquity, and derives its name from St. Oswald, King of Northumberland, who was defeated and slain here by Penda, King of Mercia, in the year 642.

Subsequently, when Offa constructed the barrier still called “Offa’s Dyke,” Oswestry stood between it and Watt’s Dyke, which ran parallel, at a distance of 2 miles; it was thus rendered a border town, and consequently became a frequent scene of contest; first between the Saxons and the Britons, and, at a later period, between the Britons and the Normans. In the year 1212 (under its Lord, William Fitz-Alan) it was taken and burnt by King John; and again, in 1233, by the Welsh prince Llewellyn. During this period it was inclosed by a strong wall, which had four gates at the four cardinal points; some traces of the wall and of the pillars to which the gates were fixed may still be seen; but the gates themselves were entirely demolished in the year 1783.

The corporation records show an unbroken corporate existence of over 600 years, commencing with a grant to the burgesses by Edmund Fitzalan, 8th Earl of Arundel, in 1324; there is, however, a copy of a charter dated 1263; the first royal charter was conferred by Richard II. and a subsequent charter by Charles II.; the town continued to be governed under the latter until the passing of the “Municipal Reform Act,” in 1835; since which time the municipal body has consisted of a mayor, six aldermen and eighteen councillors: the borough under the same Act was divided into two wards, and provided with a commission of the peace. The “Local Government Act, 1858,” was adopted here Feb. 27, 1863, and the Corporation act as the Sanitary Authority. Quarter Sessions are held here, and petty sessions for the borough and hundred of Oswestry, held monthly.

Oswestry has been much improved since the year 1810, when an Act of Parliament was obtained for widening, paving and lighting the streets, which are now in general wide, many of the footways being flagged, or laid with blue Staffordshire pavement, and there are many good houses and shops; but half-timbered buildings and houses with projecting gables are still to be seen in several parts of the town. The gas works, the property of a company, in the Salop road, are extensive, and the supply is furnished at a cheap rate. There are also water works belonging to the corporation, in Mount road; and a new reservoir situated at Pen-y-gwely, about 7 miles distant, was constructed by the corporation and was opened by Alfred Wynne Corrie esq. J. P. in 1893. In the parish of Oswestry are three filter beds and a reservoir belonging to the Liverpool corporation on their line of aqueduct from Lake Vyrnwy in North Wales. The ecclesiastical parish of St.

Oswald consists of the south-west portion of the town, with the whole of the townships of Llanforda and Weston Cotton and such part of the township of Sweeney as lies on the north side of the Gronwen lane, up Nantycaws lane to its junction with Treflach, including the hamlet of Morda. The parish church of St. Oswald, originally the conventual church of the ancient monastery, is a fine structure of considerable size, principally in the Transitional, Early English and Decorated styles, and consisting of chancel with south chapel, nave of five bays, transepts, south porch, aisles, a massive embattled western tower, with pinnacles, containing 8 bells and a clock, the gift of Mr. Charles Owen, a late mayor: in the church is a beautiful canopied monument of elaborate workmanship, with two kneeling effigies, and an inscription to Hugh, Yale, alderman of this town, and Dorothy, his wife, 1616: there are several stained windows: the church was restored in 1873 at a cost of £12,650: the old.

“Griddle” or lychgate on the south side bears the date 1631: the communion plate consists of a chalice given by David Edwards, another dated 1575, a silver flagon given in 1707 and two patens. The register dates from the year 1558. The living is a discharged vicarage, average tithe rent-charge £435, net yearly value £241, including glebe, with residence, in the gift of the Earl of Powis, and held since 1891 by the Rev. Cecil Hook B. A. of Christ Church, Oxford. Holy Trinity is an ecclesiastical parish, formed Dec.

2, 1842, and comprising part of the town of Oswestry and the townships of Middleton, Hisland, Wootton, Aston and Maesbury; in 1866 it was constituted a parish under the “Blandford Act”: the church, erected in 1837, and situated in the Salop road, is a building of freestone in the Decorated style, consisting of chancel, nave, transepts and tower with spire containing a chime of 8 tubular bells: the east window is stained: during the years 1893-94 the church was considerably enlarged and improved; a memorial transept was added by Miss Longueville, of Penylan, in memory of her father; and three stained glass windows were put in the nave in memory of former parishioners: a beautiful marble font was also erected by Mr. R. B. Smale, in memory of his mother: there are sittings for 800 persons, all of which are free. The register dates from the year 1842.

The living is a vicarage, average tithe rent-charge £89, net yearly value £242, with residence, in the gift of the vicar of Oswestry, and held since 1887 by the Rev. Thomas Redfern M. A. of Clare College, Cambridge. The chapel of St. Anne, erected in 1883, and fitted at a cost of £2,000 by Mrs. Alfred Wynne Corrie, of Park Hall, is in the township of Weston, and intended principally for the inmates of Oswestry workhouse there: it was consecrated Oct. 26, 1883, and is an edifice of brick with dressings of Shelvoke stone, erected from designs by Mr. S. Pountney Smith, of Shrewsbury, architect, consisting of apsidal chancel, nave, transepts and western Galilee porch, but has neither turret nor bell, and has seats for 250 persons: the Rev. John Evans Jones M. A. chaplain A mission room in connection with St.

Oswald’s church was erected in 1884, in Castle street, and will seat about 150 persons. Holy Trinity Mission Room, situated in Beatrice street, was built in 1888, by Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Corrie, of Park Hall Oswestry, and will seat about 200 persons. The Catholic chapel, dedicated to Our Lady the Help of Christians and St. Oswald, situated in Upper Brook street, was erected in 1890, and is an edifice of stone in the Early English style, consisting of chancel and nave, and has sittings for about 230 persons: the presbytery, attached to the chancel, is of red brick, and there is also a convent and elementary school, forming a separate block, all erected at the expense of T. Longueville esq. Christ Church Congregational church, opposite the Castle grounds, the foundation stone of which was laid Sept. 7th, 1871, is a cruciform building of Cefn stone in the Gothic style, from designs by Mr. W. H. Spaull F. R. I. B. A.

architect, Oswestry, erected at a cost of about £5,200, and consists of nave with apse, transepts, and a tower with spire 120 feet high: the internal columns are of Craigllwyn and Cefn stone, and there is a fine carved stone pulpit: there are sittings for 600 persons. The Primitive Methodist chapel, Chapel street, built in 1840, at a cost of £1,640, is of red brick, and will hold 300 persons. In Castle street are Sunday schools in connection, erected in 1890, of red brick with stone dressings, at a cost, including site, of about £1,200, and holding between 400 and 450 children. The Wesleyan chapel, which occupies a prominent position at the junction of Beatrice street and King street, is a handsome Gothic building of stone, with a spire, erected in 1871, at a cost of £2,500 from designs by Mr. W. H. Spaull F. R. I. B. A.

and will seat about 500 people: there are a school room and class rooms in the basement. There are also places of worship for Baptists, Welsh Wesleyan Methodists, Welsh Baptists, Welsh Calvinists and Welsh Congregationalists. The Salvation Army Barracks, King street, is a red brick building, erected in 1889. The Cemetery, on the Salop road, formed in 1862, at a cost of £3,500, is 4 acres in extent, with a handsome mortuary chapel, and is under the control of a Burial Board of 9 members. The old Town Hall, near the site of the Castle, was pulled down in 1891. New Municipal buildings, from designs by Mr. H. A. Cheers, architect, of Twickenham, were erected under the superintendence of Messrs.

Lockwood and Sons, of Chester, on the site of the old Town Hall, at a cost, including site, of £12,000, and opened in November, 1893; they comprise, on the ground floor, offices for the borough surveyor, public and private offices with plan room, accountant and town clerk's offices with strong rooms, council chamber, county court offices and police station with cells. On the first floor are the public courts with magistrates’ and clerks’ retiring room, witnesses’ waiting rooms, solicitors’ robing room and grand jury room, and a large reference library. On the top floor is the public library and a large reading room, top lighted, with librarian’s room, and a science and art school. The Oswestry Public Hall, in Oswald road, erected in 1863, is a structure of brick, with stone facings', from designs by Mr. William Henry Spaull F. R. I. B. A. architect, of Oswestry, and has a square tower on the south-west: it contains an assembly room holding 750 persons. The lower portion is now occupied by the Liberal club.

The Victoria Rooms, in Victoria road, belonging to the Victoria Rooms Co. Limited, were erected in 1864, and comprise an upper assembly room, about 70 feet long, 40 feet wide and 24 feet high, and a smaller room on the ground floor; the St. Oswald Club occupy a billiard room and reading room in the same building. The Corn Exchange and Wholesale Cheese and Butter Market, called the “Powis Market,” which forms one side of the area known as “Bailey Head” is a spacious edifice of stone, partly covered with glass, and having a high clock turret, re-built in 1869. Cheese and butter fairs are held on the first Wednesday in every month, which are well attended, there being railway communication by the Cambrian railway to Welshpool and Newtown and other parts of Wales, through a fertile and important Welsh agricultural district, and also to Ellesmere, Whitchurch and other rich agricultural districts of Shropshire.

The Cross Market, enlarged in 1883 is conveniently arranged, and covered in; the building has two main entrances, over one of which is a clock with an illuminated dial; at the markets held on Wednesday a great amount of business is done in corn, butter, eggs, cheese and poultry: there is also a market on Saturday. The cattle fairs are held in Smithfield, a piece of ground covering 2 ½ acres, which is appropriated for the purpose; the fairs are held weekly, on Wednesdays, dating from September 8th, 1869. The Oswestry District Horticultural Society holds an annual flower, fruit and bird show the first week in September. The Oswestry District Agricultural Society, founded in 1862, and now having about 320 members, holds annual shows for live stock, cheese, butter and agricultural products. The Oswestry District Conservative Club, which has good premises in Willow street, consisting of assembly room, reading and card rooms, two billiard rooms, bar and rooms for caretaker, with lawn at back, has about 350 members.

The chief industries are malting, tanning, currying, fellmongery and woolstapling; there are also iron and brass foundries, agricultural implement and machine works and steam saw mills. The Cambrian Railway Company have their engine and carriage works here, and employ some 300 men. There are three Banks and several hotels and good inns. There is one newspaper published here. In the vicinity mines of coal are being worked: there are also brick works: and an almost inexhaustible supply of limestone. Copper and other minerals are found in the neighbourhood. The B Squadron, F and C Troops, of the Shropshire Yeomanry Cavalry are drilled in the Gymnasium, Victoria street, and the head quarters of the F Company, 2nd Volunteer Battalion King’s (Shropshire Light Infantry), are at The Armoury, Beatrice street. The Free Public Library and Reading Rooms are at the Municipal Buildings and the Library was formally opened on Jan. 18th, 1895, by the Bishop of Wakefield. The lending library contains about 9,000 volumes and the Reference library, which is not yet open to the public, about 500 volumes.

The charities amount to about £300 yearly. An almshouse consisting of 12 rooms, for 6 men and 6 women, was erected by Dame Ellen, widow of Sir Francis Eure; in 1732 Mrs. Jane Owen bequeathed 18s. a year to each inmate, and in 1805 Mrs. M. Ormsby directed that this sum should be increased to £3 yearly; the inmates are appointed and the houses kept in repair by Lord Harlech, of Brogyntyn. Oswestry Provident Dispensary, in Victoria road, was established in 1828, is under the management of a committee, and has baths attached; these are partly self-supporting, and are otherwise supported by subscription; the average number of patients is now (1895) about 1,320.

The Oswestry and Ellesmere Cottage Hospital, Welsh walls, was established in 1866, and contains 16 beds; 128 in and 190 out-patients were treated here in 1894 and 96 out-patients attended at their homes by the district nurse connected with the institution: an isolation hospital is now (1895) being erected; the hospital is managed by a committee. The castle stood on a lofty mount at the west side of the town, and only a few fragments remain; these, however, are sufficient to indicate its primitive strength and consequent importance as a defensive work, and have been carefully preserved: the site is now encircled by a wall and planted with flowers and shrubs; walks have been made around it to the summit, from which there is a beautiful view of the surrounding neighbourhood and a bird’s-eye view of the town; the grounds have been restored by public subscription, and were re-opened by A. Wynne Corrie esq. Mayor, 24 June, 1890. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor.

The population of the town in 1881 was 7,847 and in 1891, 8,496, which includes 10 officers and 180 inmates in the workhouse, which is in Weston township. The population of St. Oswalds ecclesiastical parish in 1891 was 6,110 and of Holy Trinity, 4,299. The area of the parish is 16,149 acres of land and 85 of water; rateable value, town, £33,956; parish, £25,703. Petty Sessions are held at the Guildhall the last Thursday in every month at 11 a.m.

The following places are included in the petty sessional division: —Abertanat, Argoed, Aston, Berghill, Bronygarth, Bryn, Crickheath, Cynynion, Daywell, Dovaston, Ebnall, Edgerley, Felton, Fernhill, Haughton, Henlle, Hindford, Hisland, Ifton Rhyn, Kinnerley, Knockin, Kynaston, Llanforda, Llanyblodwel, Llanymynech, Llynclys, Llwyntidman, Maesbrook Issa, Maesbrook Ucha, Maesbury, Marton (Old), Melverley (Upper & Lower), Middleton, Moreton, Osbaston, Oswestry, Pentregaer, Porkington, Rednal, St.

Martin, Sandford, Selattyn, Sutton, Sweeney, Sychtyn, Tedsmore, Tiry Coed, Trefarclawdd, Treflach, Trefonen, Treprenal, Twyford, Welsh Frankton, Weston, West Felton, Weston Rhyn, Whittington, Woolston & Wooton. Oswestry Incorporation The incorporation comprises the following parishes Chirk (Denbigh), Kinnerley, Knockin, Llansilin (Denbigh), Llanyblodwel, Llwyntidman & Treprenal, Oswestry Town, Oswestry Parish, Ruyton-of-the-Eleven-Towns, St. Martin’s, Selattyn, Soughton or Sychtyn, West Felton & Whittington. The population of the union in 1891 was 27,423; area, 83,196 acres; rateable value in 1894, £173,569. Places of Worship, with times of Services St. Oswald’s Church, Church street, Rev. Cecil Hook B.

A. vicar; Rev. James Buchanan Seaton B. A. Rev. Percival Alfred Hugh Birley B. A. & Rev. John Evans Jones M. A. curates; 8 & 11 a.m. & 3. 30 & 6. 30 p.m.; daily, 8 a.m. & 7. 30 p.m. Holy Trinity Church, Salop road, Rev. Thomas Redfern M. A. vicar; Rev. William Pownall Owen B. A. curate; 11 a.m. & 6. 30 p.m.; daily service at 10 a.m.; Fri. at 7. 30 p.m. Our Lady the Help of Christians & St. Oswald Catholic, Upper Brook street; Rev. Aloysius O’Toole D. D. priest; communion service, 9. 30 & mass, 10. 30 a.m.; devotions, sermon & benediction, 6 p.m. Sun.; daily, mass 7. 30 a.m. holy days, mass 9 a.m.; benediction Thurs. 7. 30 p.m.

Baptist (English), English walls, vacant; 10. 45 a.m. & 6. 30 p.m.; Thurs. 7. 30 p.m. Baptist (Welsh), Castle Fields, Rev. David Rees; 10. 30 a.m. & 6. 30 p.m.; Thurs. 7. 30 p.m. Calvinistic Methodist (or Welsh Presbyterian), Oswald road; 10. 30 a.m. & 6. 30 p.m.; Thurs. 7. 30 p.m. Christ Church. (Congregational), Rev. John James Poynter; 10. 45 a.m. & 6. 30 p.m.; Thurs. 7. 30 p.m. in winter & same hour on Fri. in summer Congregational (Welsh), Chapel street; 10. 30 a.m. & 6. 30 p.m.; Mon. & Fri. 7. 30 p.m. Congregational, Maesbury, 11 a.m. & 6. 30 p.m.; Thurs. 7. 30 p.m. Primitive Methodist, Chapel street, Rev.

James Davies, minister; 10. 45 a.m. & 6. 30 p.m.; Thurs. 8 p.m. Primitive Methodist, Maesbury; 2. 30 & 6. 30 p.m. Salvation Army Barracks, King street Wesleyan, Beatrice st. Rev. Sami. H. Terrill; 10. 45 a.m. & 6. 30 p.m.; Thurs. 7. 30 p.m. Wesleyan (Welsh), Victoria road, Rev. William Owen Evans; 10. 30 a.m. & 6. 30 p.m.; Mon. 7. 30 p.m. Welsh Calvinistic (Zion), Welsh Walls; 10. 30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; mon. & fri. 7.30 p.m. Schools Grammar School, Upper Brook street, rebuilt with master’s residence in 1871, for 120 boys; the school was founded during the reign of Henry IV.

by David Holbeche, who also endowed it with certain lands, & it has been further enriched by subsequent benefactions; a school chapel, in the Early English style, was erected in 1863, partly by voluntary contributions, at a cost of £1,400; there are two boarding houses; the income is £225 yearly. A School Board of 7 members was formed 1 Dec. 1876; John Christopher Bull, Church street, clerk to the board; Richard Thomas Gough, 63 Salop road, attendance officer Board, Albert road, erected with master's house in 1880, for 145 boys, 150 girls & 117 infants; average attendance, 148 boys, 134 girls & 112 infants. National (boys, girls & infants), Welsh walls, built in 1841, for 220 boys, 180 girls & 150 infants; average attendance, 120 boys, 95 girls and 110 infants.

Holy Trinity Church (mixed & infants), Castle street, for 327 children; average attendance, 306. Church of England Ragged, North Castle street, built in 1872, enlarged in 1889, for 170 children; average attendance, 110; Mrs. Minna Jenks, mistress. St. Oswald’s Catholic, Upper Brook street, built in 1890, for about 90 children; average attendance, 63. — Kelly's Directory of Shropshire (1895) Most Common Surnames in Oswestry Direct link to this section Rank Things to do in Shropshire | Days Out | Places to Visit You are here: Counties -> Things to do in Shropshire Things to do in Shropshire Page Contents Places to visit in Shropshire The County of Shropshire is situated on the England/Wales borderlands, one of England's rural peaceful counties, a delightful place to unwind, and enjoy heritage and nature.

Shropshire has over 90 places to visit, from Offa's Dyke, the longest archaeological monument in Britain, built by King Offa in the 8th Century to keep the Welsh Princes at bay, to historic houses and castles, beautiful gardens, and the famous Ironbridge Gorge Museums . There are miles of unspoiled tranquil countryside, with 30 nature reserves to discover, many family attractions, 32 Castles, as well as many annual festivals and local events. In north Shropshire you will find the pretty market town of Ellesmere , with medieval streets and Georgian buildings. The miniature lakeland of Meres and Mosses around Ellesmere are a haven for wildlife, where you can enjoy fishing or boating. Market Drayton was the hometown of Clive of India. It is well known for its Wednesday market and as the home of gingerbread, baked here for 200 years. Discover the town trails, or take a walk along the Shropshire Union Canal to the impressive 40 step aqueduct. Wem is home of the modern Sweet Pea flower, developed here by Henry Eckford.

Wem holds an annual Sweet Pea festival in July, visit then for a delightful and unique experience. Whitchurch is the oldest continually inhabited community in the County. The Shropshire Way and other long distance walks start from the Jubilee Park in the town. The Heritage Centre in Oswestry is a good source of Shropshire Tourist Information, the town is situated on the border with Wales. It is an excellent place to start exploring the Welsh Mountains and nearby Chirk and Powis Castles. Shrewsbury is Shropshire's county town, centrally situated on the banks of the River Severn. The town is the birthplace of Charles Darwin, who was inspired by the Shropshire landscape. A town of intrigue, with its narrow,cobbled streets and distinctive black and white buildings. To the east side of the county lies Ironbridge, a World Heritage Site, home of the original Iron Bridge. There are also the 10 Ironbridge Gorge Museums that are well worth a visit. Newport is one of the most unspoiled market towns in the district, it is located ten miles from Telford on the border of Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Bridgnorth High Town perches a hundred feet above the Low Town and the River Severn, the two are connected by England's oldest Funicular railway, The Bridgnorth Cliff Railway. The Severn Valley Railway is Britain's premier steam railway - it will take you on a nostalgic scenic 16 -mile trip along the River Severn. Southern Shropshire also has several historic towns and picturesque villages. Ludlow is often called the "perfect historic Town", described by John Betjeman as "the loveliest town in England". Today it is a lively place, renowned as the Gastronomic Capital of Shropshire. The Ludlow Marches Food & Drink Festival is held in September and the Ludlow Festival is in June/July. Church Stretton , with its alpine-like hills and valleys is sometimes called 'little Switzerland' - it retains its spa town feel with natural springs, the source of Stretton Hills bottled water. The Long Mynd rises above the town topped by a moorland plateau of heather and rocks. A popular walking area, ideal for exploring the Shropshire Hills.

At Bishops Castle you can admire the Town Hall, other historic buildings and the unusual Elizabethan House on Crutches, supported by wooden posts over a cobbled alley. Many traditional shops and art galleries line the main street. Craven Arms is home to Stokesay Castle, the finest 13th Century fortified manor house in England. The town is an ideal place for long walks along scenic routes through Shropshire's idyllic countryside.

Question: The town of Oswestry is in which English county?
Answer: Shropshire